Apparatus and method for adjusting output image from image data

ABSTRACT

If a memory card MC is inserted in a slot  34,  a control circuit  30  of a color printer  20  acquires image output control information GI from the memory card MC and analyzes this information. A CPU  31  modifies a brightness standard value Bstd corresponding to a brightness parameter by taking account of a preset exposure bias value when an exposure bias value other than zero is set. The CPU  31  determines the brightness correction level Brev by correcting the brightness representative value Brep so as to bring it closer to the brightness standard value Bstd that has been modified, and adjusts the image quality of image data by taking account of the brightness correction level Brev. As a result, the image quality of image data can be automatically adjusted without degrading output conditions that have been set arbitrarily.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to image adjustment technology foradjusting the image quality of image data.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Image quality of image data generated by digital still cameras(DSC), digital video cameras (DVC), scanners, and the like, can beadjusted at one's discretion by image retouch applications on personalcomputers. The image adjustment function for automatic adjustment ofimage quality of image data is typically provided in image retouchapplications, and the image quality of image data output from an outputdevice can be easily improved if this image adjustment function is used.Well-known examples of output devices for image files include CRT, LCD,printers, projectors, TV receivers, and the like.

[0003] Printer drivers controlling the operation of printers, which arethe output devices, are also provided with the function of automaticadjustment of image quality of image data, and the image quality ofimage data which is to be printed can be also easily improved by usingsuch printer drivers.

[0004] However, with the image quality automatic adjustment functionprovided by such image retouch applications and printer drivers, imagequality correction is conducted by using as a standard the image datahaving typical image quality characteristic. By contrast, image datawhich are the object of image processing can be generated under avariety of different conditions. Therefore, image quality sometimescannot be improved by executing indiscriminately the image qualityautomatic adjustment function and changing the image quality parametervalues of image data by using the standard values.

[0005] Further, in some of image data generation devices, such as DSCand the like, image quality of image data can be adjusted at one'sdiscretion during image data generation, and the user can intentionallygenerate image data with the prescribed image quality. When the imagequality automatic adjustment function is executed with respect to suchimage data, the problem is that the adjustment is automaticallyconducted based on the image quality serving as a standard till theintended image quality of the image data, and automatic image adjustmentreflecting the user's intention cannot be executed. This problem is notlimited to DSC and is a common problem for other image data generationdevices such as DVC and the like.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention has been created to resolve theabove-described problem, and it is an object of the present invention toadjust automatically and appropriately the image quality correspondinglyto individual image data. Another object is to adjust automatically theimage quality of image data, without degrading the output conditionsthat have been set arbitrarily.

[0007] In order to resolve the above-described problems, in accordancewith the first aspect of the present invention, an output device whichuses the image data and image output control information, which containsat least the exposure bias value information in image data generationand has been associated with the image data, and outputs the image datais provided. The output device according to the first aspect of thepresent invention comprises image parameter value acquisition means foranalyzing the image data and acquiring the value of the image qualityparameter indicating at least the characteristic of the image data,which relates to brightness, image quality adjustment means foradjusting the image quality of the image data based on the standardimage quality parameter value that has been determined in advance withrespect to the image quality parameter value relating at least to thebrightness, the acquired image quality parameter value, and the exposurebias value, and output means for outputting the image data that havebeen subjected to the image quality adjustment.

[0008] With the output device according to the first aspect of thepresent invention, the image quality of image data is adjusted based onthe standard image quality parameter value corresponding to the imagequality parameter value relating at least to the brightness, the imagequality parameter value relating to the brightness, and the exposurebias value information. Therefore, the image quality of image data canbe automatically adjusted without degrading the output conditions thathave been set arbitrarily, for example, brightness conditions. Further,the image quality can be appropriately automatically adjustedcorrespondingly to individual image data. Therefore, when bright outputresults are intended, the bright output results are obtained, and whendark output results are intended, the dark output results are obtained.

[0009] In the output device according to the first aspect of the presentinvention, image quality adjustment means may adjust the image qualityof image data so as to reduce or eliminate the deviation of the imagequality parameter value from the standard image quality parameter valuereflecting with the exposure bias value information. Because such aconfiguration is provided, the image quality of image data is adjustedso as to reduce or eliminate the deviation of the image qualityparameter value from the standard image quality parameter valuereflecting with the exposure bias value information. Therefore, theimage quality of image data can be automatically adjusted withoutdegrading the output conditions that have been set arbitrarily, forexample, brightness conditions, and the image quality can beappropriately automatically adjusted correspondingly to individual imagedata.

[0010] In the output device according to the first aspect of the presentinvention, image quality adjustment means may adjust the image qualityof image data by calculating the image quality adjustment quantity fromthe standard image quality parameter value and the image qualityparameter value, modifying the image quality adjustment quantityreflecting with the exposure bias value information, and using the imagequality adjustment quantity thus modified. Alternatively, the outputdevice according to the first aspect of the present invention mayfurther comprise standard image quality parameter value modificationmeans for modifying the standard image quality parameter value based onthe exposure bias value information, and image quality adjustment meansmay adjust the image quality of the image data based on the modifiedstandard image quality parameter value and the acquired image qualityparameter value, instead of the standard image quality parameter value,acquired image quality parameter value, and exposure bias valueinformation.

[0011] With the output device according to the first aspect of thepresent invention, the image quality of image data can be adjusted bycomputing the image quality adjustment quantity from the standard imagequality parameter value and image quality parameter value, modifying theimage quality adjustment quantity reflecting with the exposure biasvalue information, and using the image quality adjustment quantity thusmodified. Alternatively, the standard image quality parameter valuecorresponding to the image quality parameter value relating at least tothe brightness can be modified and the image quality of image data canbe adjusted based at least on the modified standard image qualityparameter value and the image quality parameter value relating to thebrightness. Therefore, the image quality of image data can beautomatically adjusted without degrading the output conditions that havebeen set arbitrarily, for example, brightness conditions. Further, theimage quality can be appropriately automatically adjustedcorrespondingly to individual image data. Consequently, when brightoutput results are intended, the bright output results are obtained, andwhen dark output results are intended, the dark output results areobtained.

[0012] In the output device according to the first aspect of the presentinvention, standard image quality parameter value modification means mayexecute no modification of the standard image quality parameter valuewhen the exposure bias value has been set to zero as a result ofanalysis of the image output control information. In such a case adecision can be made that no arbitrary output conditions have been setwith respect to brightness. Therefore, no output results reflecting thephotographer's intentions are provided even though the standard imagequality parameter value has not been modified.

[0013] In accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, animage data processing device which uses image data and image outputcontrol information, which contains at least the exposure bias valueinformation in image data generation and has been associated with theimage data, and processes the image data is provided. The image dataprocessing device according to the second aspect of the presentinvention comprises obtaining means for obtaining the image data and theimage output control information, image parameter value acquisitionmeans for analyzing the image data that has been downloaded andacquiring the value of the image quality parameter indicating at leastthe characteristic of the image data, which relates to brightness, andimage quality adjustment means for adjusting the image quality of theimage data based on the standard image quality parameter value that hasbeen determined in advance with respect to the image quality parametervalue relating at least to the brightness, the acquired image qualityparameter value, and the exposure bias value information.

[0014] With the image data processing device according to the secondaspect of the present invention, the function and effect can be obtainedwhich is similar to that of the output device according to the firstaspect of the present invention. Furthermore, the image data processingdevice according to the second aspect of the present invention can beimplemented in a variety of modes similarly to the output deviceaccording to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0015] According to the third aspect of the present invention, a methodfor image quality adjustment of image data is provided. The method forimage quality adjustment according to the third aspect of the presentinvention comprises: acquiring image data and image output controlinformation which contains at least the exposure bias value informationduring image data generation and has been associated with the imagedata, analyzing the image data and acquiring the value of the imagequality parameter indicating at least the characteristic of the imagedata, which relates to brightness, analyzing the image output controlinformation and acquiring the exposure bias value from the exposure biasvalue information, and adjusting the image quality of the image databased on the standard image quality parameter value that has beendetermined in advance, the acquired image quality parameter value, andthe exposure bias value.

[0016] With the method for image quality adjustment according to thethird aspect of the present invention, the function and effect can beobtained which is similar to that of the output device according to thefirst aspect of the present invention. Furthermore, the method for imagequality adjustment according to the third aspect of the presentinvention can be implemented in a variety of modes similarly to theoutput device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, acomputer-readable medium storing a program for adjusting the imagequality of image data is provided. In the computer-readable mediumaccording to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the programinstructs the computer to executes functions of: acquiring image dataand image output control information which contains at least theexposure bias value information during image data generation and hasbeen associated with the image data, analyzing the image data andacquiring the value of the image quality parameter indicating at leastthe characteristic of the image data, which relates to the brightness,analyzing the image output control information and acquiring theexposure bias value from the exposure bias value information, andadjusting the image quality of the image data based on the standardimage quality parameter value that has been determined in advance, theimage quality parameter value, and the exposure bias value.

[0018] With the computer-readable medium according to the fourth aspectof the present invention, the function and effect can be obtained whichis similar to that of the output device according to the first aspect ofthe present invention. Furthermore, the computer-readable mediumaccording to the fourth aspect of the present invention can beimplemented in a variety of modes similarly to the output deviceaccording to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an imagedata generation device for generating image data that has beenassociated with image processing conditions of image data in an outputdevice is provided. The image data generation device according to thefifth aspect of the present invention comprises image data generationmeans for generating image data, exposure bias value informationacquisition means for acquiring exposure bias value information, imagequality parameter value acquisition means for analyzing the generatedimage data and acquiring the value of image quality parameter indicatingat least the characteristic of the image data, which relates to thebrightness, image processing conditions generation means for generatingthe image processing conditions based on the standard image qualityparameter value that has been determined in advance with respect to theimage quality parameter value relating to the brightness, the acquiredimage quality parameter value, and the exposure bias value information,and output means for outputting the generated image processingconditions and the image data associated with each other.

[0020] With the image generation device according to the fifth aspect ofthe present invention, image processing conditions of image data in theoutput device are generated based on the standard image qualityparameter value, image quality parameter value relating to thebrightness, and the exposure bias value information. Therefore, imageprocessing of image data can be easily executed without finding theimage processing conditions in the output device. Furthermore, the imagequality of image data can be automatically adjusted without degradingthe output conditions that have been set arbitrarily, for example,brightness conditions, and the image quality can be appropriatelyautomatically adjusted correspondingly to individual image data.Therefore, when bright output results are intended, the bright outputresults are obtained, and when dark output results are intended, thedark output results are obtained. Further, the image data and imageprocessing conditions may be associated with each other and stored inthe same file.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an image data output system thatcan employ the image output device of the present embodiment;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configurationof a digital still camera that can generate an image file (image data)which is output by the image output device of the present embodiment;

[0023]FIG. 3 illustrates schematically the internal configuration of theimage file that can be used in the present embodiment;

[0024]FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic internal structure of the imagefile that has been stored in the Exif file format;

[0025]FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the data structure of theappended information storage region 112 of the image file GF that can beused in the present embodiment;

[0026]FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configurationof the color printer 20 of the present embodiment;

[0027]FIG. 7 illustrates the internal configuration of the controlcircuit 30 of color printer 20;

[0028]FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the flow of generationprocessing of the image file GF in the digital still camera 12;

[0029]FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the processing routine ofprinting processing in the color printer 20 of the present embodiment;

[0030]FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the flow of image processingin the color printer 20 of the present embodiment;

[0031]FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating the processing routine ofautomatic image adjustment in the color printer 20;

[0032]FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating schematically the relationshipbetween the input level and output level of brightness; and

[0033]FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the processing routine ofprinting processing in the color printer 20 of the other embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The output image adjustment of the image file in accordance withthe present invention will be described hereinbelow in the sequence asfollows based on several embodiments thereof, with reference to theappended drawings.

[0035] A. Configuration of image data output system.

[0036] B. Configuration of image file.

[0037] C. Configuration of image data system that can use the imagefile.

[0038] D. Image processing in digital still camera.

[0039] E. Image processing in printer.

[0040] F. Other embodiments.

[0041] A. Configuration of Image Data Output System.

[0042] The configuration of the image data output system that can employthe image output device implementing the image output adjustment of thepresent embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and2. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the image data output system thatcan employ the image output device of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is ablock diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the digitalstill camera that can generate an image file (image data) which isoutput by the image output device of the first embodiment.

[0043] An image data output system 10 comprises a digital still camera12 as an input device generating an image file, and a color printer 20serving as an output device for executing image processing based on theimage file generated by the digital still camera 12 and outputting theimages. Besides the printer 20, a monitor 14 such as a CRT display, LCDdisplay, and the like, or a projector can be used as the output device.In the explanation below, it will be assumed that the color printer 20is used as the output device.

[0044] The digital still camera 12 is a camera acquiring images byforming an image of optical information on a digital device (CCD orphotoelectronic multiplier). As shown in FIG. 2, the digital stillcamera comprises an optical circuit 121 provided with a CCD or the likefor converging optical information, an image acquisition circuit 122 forcontrolling the optical circuit 121 and acquiring the image, an imageprocessing circuit 123 for treating and processing the acquired digitalimages, and a control circuit 124 comprising a memory and controllingall of the above circuits. The digital still camera 12 stores theacquired images as digital data in a memory card MC serving as a storagedevice. The storage format for image data in the digital still camera 12is usually a JPEG format, but other storage formats, for example, a TIFFformat, GIF format, BMP format, and the like can be also used.

[0045] The digital still camera 12 also comprises aselection-determination button 126 for setting a photographing mode, anexposure bias value (exposure correction value), a light source, and thelike, and a liquid-crystal display 127 for previewing the picked-upimages or for setting the photographing mode by using theselection-determination button 126. The exposure bias value which is setin the digital still camera 12 is represented by an exposure quantityEV, and when no exposure correction is conducted, this quantity isrecorded as EV=±0. When it is desired that the exposure be corrected soas to obtain a brighter image with respect to the proper exposureautomatically set in the digital still camera 12, the exposure biasvalue is set at a positive side as +0.1 EV, +2.0 EV, and when thecorrection of exposure to a darker image with respect to the properexposure is desired, the exposure bias value is set at a negative sideas −0.1 EV, −2.0 EV.

[0046] In the digital still camera 12 used in the present image dataoutput system 10, in addition to the image data GD, the image outputcontrol information GI is stored as an image file GF in the memory card.Thus, during photographing, the image output control information GItogether with the image data GD is automatically put as an image file GFinto the memory card MC. Furthermore, when the user has in advanceselected the photographing mode, such as a portrait or night view mode,an image file GF containing a parameter value of the image qualityparameter, which corresponds to the selected photographing mode, as theimage output control information GI is put into the memory card MC.Alternatively, when a parameter such as an exposure bias value, lightsource, and the like is set for any value, an image file GF containing aset value of the parameter, which has been set, as the image outputcontrol information GI in put into the memory card MC.

[0047] When photographing has been executed in an automaticphotographing mode in the digital still camera 12, an image file GFcontaining values of parameters, such as the exposure time, lightsource, diaphragm, shutter speed, focal distance of the lens, and thelike during the photographing, as the image output control informationis put into the memory card MC. Further, parameters employed inphotographing modes and parameter values are stored in a memory in acontrol circuit 124 of the digital control camera 12.

[0048] The image file generated in the digital still camera 12 istransmitted to a color printer 20, for example, via a cable CV andcomputer PC or a cable CV. Alternatively, the image file is transmittedto the color printer via a computer PC having installed in a memory cardslot thereof the memory card MC that has stored the image file GF in thedigital still camera 12, or by directly connecting the memory card MC tothe printer 20. The explanation provided hereinbelow will relate to thecase in which the memory card is directly connected to the color printer20.

[0049] B. Configuration of Image File

[0050] A schematic configuration of the image file that can be used inthe present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.FIG. 3 is an explanatory figure illustrating schematically an example ofthe internal configuration of the image file that can be used in thepresent embodiment. The image file GF comprises an image data storageregion 101 for storing the image data GD and an image output controlinformation storage region 102 for storing the information GIcontrolling the output state of image data (image output controlinformation). The image data is stored, for example, in the JPEG format,and the image output control information GI is stored in the TIFFformat. The terms file structure, data structure, and storage region inthe present embodiment mean images of files or data in a state in whichthe files or data have been stored in a memory device.

[0051] The image output control information GI is the information (imagequality generation information) relating to the image quality in thecase of image data generating (photographing) in an image datageneration device such as the digital still camera 12 or the like andcan contain parameters relating to exposure time, ISO sensitivity,diaphragm, shutter speed, and focal distance that are automaticallygenerated in the course of photographing, and also the output controlparameters such as the exposure bias value, light source, photographingmode, target color space, and the like, that are arbitrarily set by theuser.

[0052] The above-mentioned image file GF of the present embodiment canbe generated by input devices (image file generation devices) other thanthe digital still camera 12, for example, by digital video cameras,scanners, and the like.

[0053] The image file GF of the present embodiments basically maycomprise the above-mentioned image data region 101 and image outputcontrol information storage region 102 and can have a file structurecorresponding to the file format that has already been standardized. Thecase in which the image file GF of the present invention was conformedto the standardized file format will be described below in greaterdetail.

[0054] The image file GF of the present embodiment, for example, canhave a file structure corresponding to an image file format standard fordigital still cameras (Exif). Specifications of Exif files aredetermined by the Japanese Electronic Information Technology Association(JEITA). The schematic internal structure of the file in the case whenthe image file GF of the present embodiment has a file formatcorresponding to the Exif file format will be described hereinbelow withreference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is an explanatory figure illustrating theschematic internal structure of the image file GF of the presentembodiment, which was stored in the Exif file format.

[0055] The image file GFE as an Exif file comprises a JPEG image datastorage region 111 for storing image data in JPEG format and an appendedinformation storage region 112 for storing various information relatingto the JPEG image data that has been stored. The JPEG data storageregion 111 is equivalent to the above-described image data storageregion 101, and the appended information storage region 112 isequivalent to the above-described image output control informationstorage region 102. Thus, the image output control information (imageoutput control information GI) referred to when the JPEG image isoutput, such as photographing date and time, exposure, shutter rate,light source, exposure bias value, target color space, and the like, isstored in the appended information storage region 112. Furthermore, inaddition to the image output control information GI, the thumb nailimage data of JPEG images that has been stored in the JPEG image datastorage region 111 is stored in the TIFF format in the appendedinformation storage region 112. It is well known to those skilled in theart that in the Exif format files, tags for specifying data are used andthe data are sometimes named by the tag names.

[0056] The data structure of appended information storage region 112will be explained below in greater detail with reference to FIG. 5. FIG.5 illustrates an example of the data structure of appended informationstorage region 112 of image file GF that can be used in the presentembodiment.

[0057] In the appended information storage region 112, as shown in thefigure, the parameter values relating to information such as theexposure time, lens F value, exposure control mode, ISO sensitivity,exposure bias value, light source, flash, focal distance and the likeare stored according to the preset addresses. In the output device, theimage output control information GI can be acquired by indicating theaddress corresponding to the desired information (parameter).

[0058] C. Configuration of Image Output Device

[0059] The schematic configuration of the image output device, that is,color printer 20 of the present embodiment will be described below withreference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating theschematic configuration of color printer 20 of the present embodiment.

[0060] The color printer 20 is a printer that can output color images,for example, an ink-jet printer in which an image is formed by ejectingcolor inks of four colors, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black(K), on a printing medium and forming a dot pattern. Alternatively, thecolor printer is an electrophotographic printer in which an image isformed by transferring a color toner on a printing medium and fixing itthereon. In addition to the above-mentioned four colors of color inks,light cyan (LC), light magenta (LM), and dark yellow (DY) may be used.

[0061] The color printer 20, as shown in the figure, is composed of amechanism for driving a printing head 211 carried on a carriage 21,ejecting the inks, and forming dots, a mechanism for reciprocally movingthe carriage 21 in the axial direction of a platen 23 with a carriagemotor 22, a mechanism for transporting printing paper P with apaper-feeding motor 24, and a control circuit 30. The mechanism forreciprocally moving the carriage 21 in the axial direction of platen 23is composed of a sliding shaft 25 for slidably supporting the carriage21 installed parallel to the axis of platen 23, a pulley 27 forstretching an endless driving belt 26 between the carriage motor 22 andthe pulley, and a position detection sensor for detecting the originalposition of carriage 21. The mechanism for transporting printing paper Pis composed of the platen 23, paper-feeding motor 24 for rotating theplaten 23, an appended paper-supplying roller (not shown in thefigures), and a gear train (not shown in the figures) for transferringthe rotation of paper-feeding motor 24 to the platen 23 and appendedpaper-supplying roller.

[0062] The control circuit 30 appropriately controls the movement ofpaper-feeding motor 24, carriage motor 22, and printing head 211, whileexchanging signals with a control panel 29 of the printer. Printingpaper P fed to the color printer 20 is set so as to be squeezed betweenthe platen 23 and appended paper-supplying roller and transportedthrough the prescribed distance according to the rotation angle ofplaten 23 An ink cartridge 212 and an ink cartridge 213 are installed inthe carriage 21. The ink cartridge 212 accommodates black (K) ink,whereas other inks, that is, inks of a total of six colors: inks oflight cyan (LC), light magenta (LM), and dark yellow (DY) colors inaddition to inks of three colors, cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y).

[0063] The internal configuration of the control circuit 30 of colorprinter 20 will be explained below with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7illustrates the internal configuration of the control circuit 30 ofcolor printer 20. As shown in the figure, inside the control circuit 30there are provided a CPU 31, a PROM 32, a RAM 33, a PCMCIA slot 34 foracquiring data from the memory card MC, a peripheral input/output unit(PIO) conducting data exchange with the paper-feeding motor 24 andcarriage motor 22, a timer 36, a drive buffer 37, and the like. Thedrive buffer 37 is used as a buffer supplying dot on-off signals to theink ejection heads 214 to 220. The above-described components areconnected to each other with a bus 38, allowing for data exchangetherebetween. Furthermore, the control circuit 30 is also provided withan oscillator 39 outputting a drive waveform with the prescribedfrequency, and a distributed output device 40 for distributing theoutput from the oscillator 39 to the ink ejection heads 214 to 220 withthe prescribed timing.

[0064] The control circuit 30 reads out an image file 100 from thememory card MC, analyzes the appended information, and executes imageprocessing based on the analyzed control information AI. The controlcircuit 30 outputs dot data to the drive buffer 37 with the prescribedtiming, in synchronism with the movement of paper-feeding motor 24 orcarriage motor 22. The comprehensive flow of image processing executedby the control circuit 30 will be described below.

[0065] D. Image Processing in Digital Still Camera

[0066] Image processing in the digital still camera will be describedbelow with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating theflow of generation and processing of an image file GF in the digitalstill camera 12.

[0067] The control circuit 124 of digital still camera 12 makes adecision (step S100) as to whether the photographing mode or the imageoutput control information, such as light source exposure bias value,and the like, has been set by the user prior to photographing. Settingof the image output control information is executed by the user whooperates the selection-setting button 126 and makes a selection from thephotographing modes that have been prepared in advance and are displayedon a liquid-crystal display 127. Alternatively, it is executed by theuser who operates the selection-setting button 126 in a similar mannerand changes the settings on the liquid crystal display 127.

[0068] When the control circuit 124 decides that the image outputcontrol information has been set (step S100: Yes), the circuit generatesimage data (step S110) by using parameter values stipulated by the imageoutput control information, which has been set, according to thephotographing requirements, for example, by pushing of the shutterbutton. The control circuit 124 puts the generated image data GD and theimage output control information GI containing the output conditionswhich have been discretionary set and output conditions which areprovided automatically, as the image file GF into the memory card MC(step S120), thereby ending the present processing routine. Datagenerated in the digital still camera 12 are converted from the RGBcolor space and represented by the YCbCr color space.

[0069] By contrast, when the control circuit 124 decides that the imageoutput control information has not been set (step S100: No), the imagedata GD is generated according to photographing requirements (stepS130). The control circuit 124 puts the generated image data GD and theimage output control information GI containing the output conditionswhich are provided automatically during image data generation, as theimage file GF into the memory card MC (step S140), thereby ending thepresent processing routine.

[0070] Because of the above-described processing executed in the digitalstill camera 12, the image file GF that has been stored in the memorycard is provided with the image data GD and also image output controlinformation GI containing values of various parameters during image datageneration.

[0071] E. Image Processing in Color Printer 20

[0072] Image processing in the color printer 20 of the presentembodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9-11. FIG. 9is a flow chart illustrating the processing routine of printingprocessing in the color printer 20 of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 isa flow chart illustrating the flow of image processing in the colorprinter 20. FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating the processing routineof automatic image adjustment in the color printer 20. In the imageprocessing in the color printer 20 according to the present embodiment,the color space conversion processing is executed first and then theautomatic image adjustment is executed.

[0073] If the memory card MC is inserted into a slot 34, the controlcircuit 30 (CPU 31) of color printer 20 reads out the image file 100from the memory card MC, and the image file 100 that has been read outis temporarily stored in the RAM 33 (step S100). The CPU 31 retrievesthe image output control information GI indicating the informationduring image data generation from the appended information storageregion 102 of the image file 100 that has been read out (step S110). Ifthe CPU 31 has retrieved and detected the image output controlinformation (step S120: Yes), the CPU 31 acquires and analyzes the imageoutput control information GI during image data generation (step S130).The CPU 31 executed the image processing (described hereinbelow ingreater detail) based on the analyzed image output control informationGI (step S140) and prints out the processed image data (step 150).

[0074] When the CPU 31 could not retrieve and detect the image outputcontrol information (step S120: No), the image output controlinformation during image data generation cannot be taken into account.Therefore, the usual image processing is executed in which the imageoutput control information that has been stored in advance as defaultvalues in the color printer 20, that is, various parameters values, areacquired from the ROM 32 (step S160). The CPU 31 prints out theprocessed image data (step S150) and ends the present processingroutine.

[0075] Image processing executed in the color printer 20 will bedescribed below in greater detail with reference to FIG. 10. The CPU 31of color printer 20 picks up image data GD from the image file GF thathas been read out (step S200). The digital still camera 12, as describedabove, stores the image data as a JPEG format file; in the JPEG file,the image data are stored by using the YCbCr color space to increase thecompression ratio.

[0076] The CPU 31 executes 3×3 matrix computation S to convert the imagedata based on the YCrCb color space into image data based on the RGBcolor space (step S210). The matrix computation S is represented by thefollowing computational formulas: $\begin{pmatrix}R \\G \\B\end{pmatrix} = {S\begin{pmatrix}Y \\{{Cb} - 128} \\{{Cr} - 128}\end{pmatrix}}$ $S = \begin{pmatrix}1 & 0 & 1.40200 \\1 & {- 0.34414} & {- 0.71414} \\1 & 1.77200 & 0\end{pmatrix}$

[0077] The CPU 31 then executes gamma correction as well as matrixcomputation M with respect to the thus obtained image data based on theRGB color space (step S220). When gamma correction is executed, the CPU31 acquires gamma value of DSC from the image output control informationGI and executes gamma conversion processing with respect to video databy using the acquired gamma values. Matrix computation M is acomputational processing executed for converting the RGB color spaceinto the XYZ color space. Because the image file GF used in the presentembodiment can contain color space information during image generation,if the image file GF contains the color space information, when the CPU31 executes matrix computation M, it executes matrix computation byreferring to the color space information and using the matrix (M)corresponding to the color space during image generation. The matrixcomputation M is represented by the following computational formulas:$\begin{pmatrix}X \\Y \\Z\end{pmatrix} = {M\begin{pmatrix}{Rt}^{\prime} \\{Gt}^{\prime} \\{Bt}^{\prime}\end{pmatrix}}$ $M = \begin{pmatrix}0.6067 & 0.1736 & 0.2001 \\0.2988 & 0.5868 & 0.1144 \\0 & 0.0661 & 1.1150\end{pmatrix}$

[0078] Rt, Gt, Bt≧0${Rt}^{\prime} = {{\left( \frac{Rt}{255} \right)^{\gamma}\quad {Gt}^{\prime}} = {{\left( \frac{Gt}{255} \right)^{\gamma}\quad {Bt}^{\prime}} = \left( \frac{Bt}{255} \right)^{\gamma}}}$

[0079] Rt, Gt, Bt<0${Rt}^{\prime} = {{{- \left( \frac{- {Rt}}{255} \right)^{\gamma}}\quad {Gt}^{\prime}} = {{{- \left( \frac{- {Gt}}{255} \right)^{\gamma}}\quad {Bt}^{\prime}} = {- \left( \frac{- {Bt}}{255} \right)^{\gamma}}}}$

[0080] The color space of image data GD obtained after the matrixcomputation M has been executed is the XYZ color space. In prior art,the color space used during image processing in a printer or computerwas limited to sRGB, and the color space of digital still camera 12could not be used effectively. By contrast, in the present embodiment,when the image file GF contains a color space information, a printer(printer driver) is used which modifies the matrix (M) used in thematrix computation M correspondingly to the color space information.Therefore, the color space of digital still camera 12 is usedeffectively and correct color reproduction can be implemented.

[0081] Because the CPU 31 executes image adjustment based ondiscretionary information, it executes processing by which the colorspace of image data GD is converted from the XYZ color space into thewRGB color space, that is, executes matrix computation N⁻¹ and inversegamma correction (step S230). The wRGB color space is wider than thesRGB color space. When gamma correction is executed, the CPU 31 acquiresdefault gamma values of the printer from ROM 32 and executes the inversegamma conversion processing with respect to video data by using theinverse number of the acquired gamma value. When matrix computation N⁻¹is executed, the CPU 31 executes matrix computation by using the matrix(N⁻¹) corresponding to conversion to the wRGB color space from the ROM31. The matrix computation N⁻¹ is represented by the followingcomputational formulas: $\begin{pmatrix}{Rw} \\{Gw} \\{Bw}\end{pmatrix} = {N^{- 1}\begin{pmatrix}X \\Y \\Z\end{pmatrix}}$ $N^{- 1} = \begin{pmatrix}3.30572 & {- 1.77561} & 0.73649 \\{- 1.04911} & 2.1694 & {- 1.4797} \\0.0658289 & {- 0.241078} & 1.24898\end{pmatrix}$${Rw}^{\prime} = {{\left( \frac{Rw}{255} \right)^{1/\gamma}\quad {Gw}^{\prime}} = {{\left( \frac{Gw}{255} \right)^{1/\gamma}\quad {Bw}^{\prime}} = \left( \frac{Bw}{255} \right)^{1/\gamma}}}$

[0082] The color space of image data GD obtained after the matrixcomputation N⁻¹ has been executed is the wRGB color space. The wRGBcolor space, as has been mentioned above, is wider than the sRGB colorspace and corresponds to a color space that can be generated by thedigital still camera 12.

[0083] The CPU 31 executes the automatic adjustment processing of imagequality (step S240). In the image quality automatic adjustmentprocessing of the present embodiment, the characteristic parametervalues indicating image quality are acquired by analyzing the image dataGD contained in the image file GF, and the automatic adjustment of imagequality for correction of the acquired characteristic parameter valuesis executed by taking account of the image output control information GIcontained in the image file GF. Such an automatic adjustment processingof image quality will be described below in greater detail withreference to FIG. 11.

[0084] First, the CPU 31 analyzes the image data GD, acquires variouscharacteristic parameters indicating the characteristics of image dataGD, and temporarily puts them into the RAM 32 (step S300). Thebrightness parameter indicating the brightness characteristic isacquired as a brightness representative value Brep, among the imagestatistical values obtained by the analysis of image data GD. The CPU 31analyzes the image output control information GI and acquires values ofcontrol parameters (information) controlling (designating) the imageoutputs such as light source, exposure bias value, exposure time,diaphragm, ISO focal distance, and the like (step S310).

[0085] The CPU 31 changes (modifies) the standard values andcoefficients that have been set for each of the parameters, while takingaccount of the acquired values of control parameters (step S320). Thestandard values and coefficients that have been set for each of theparameters are the values set under an assumption that the image datahas been generated under typical image generation conditions (outputcontrol conditions). Accordingly, in order to implement automaticadjustment of image quality that accurately reflects the intentions ofthe photographer (person generating the image), the standard values andcoefficients are changed by taking into consideration individual outputcontrol conditions, in particularly, with respect to the output controlconditions that can be arbitrarily set by the photographer. The standardvalues and coefficients are the index values of parameters at which theoutput results of the image preset by image evaluation based onquantitative or functional evaluation are optimized.

[0086] First, the modification of brightness standard values that areset with respect to brightness parameters, among the characteristicparameters, will be explained. The brightness standard value Bstd is,for example, an eight-bit information that can take a value of 0-255,and the normal value thereof is set to 128. The brightness standardvalue Bstd is modified by adding to or deducting from the brightnessnormal value 128 a value calculated by using a conversion formula 0.1 EV(exposure bias value)=2 (brightness modification value) with respect tothis normal value. Thus, Bstd becomes 128+brightness modification value.For example, if the exposure bias value is corrected by +1.0 EV, thebrightness modification value becomes (1.0/0.1)×2=20, and the brightnessstandard value Bstd becomes 128+20=148. On the other hand, if theexposure bias value is corrected by −0.5 EV, the brightness modificationvalue becomes −(0.5/0.1)×2=−10, and the brightness standard value Bstdbecomes 128−10=118.

[0087] When the exposure bias value other than 0 is set, a decision canbe made that the photographer conducted photographing by changing thebrightness intentionally. Therefore, in order to reflect thephotographer's intention, the brightness standard value Bstd is modifiedbased on the exposure bias value, and automatic adjustment of brightnessreflecting the photographer's intention is implemented.

[0088] The CPU 31 executes the automatic adjustment of image qualitycorrecting the image data GD so as to bring it closer to the changedstandard value (step S330). The correction bringing the brightness valueof image data GD closer to the standard value is executed based on thefollowing formula.

Brev=Int({square root}{square root over ((Bstd−Brep)* 4)})

[0089] The relationship between the input level and output level usedwhen executing the correction which brings the brightness value of imagedata GD closer to the standard value will be explained below withreference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a graph schematically illustrating therelationship between the input level and output level of brightness withrespect to each pixel of image data. When the exposure bias value is apositive value and the correction increasing the brightness is executed,for example, the output levels OL1, OL2 are raised according to thecorrection level in the ¼ point of the input level. On the other hand,when the exposure bias value has a negative value and the correctiondecreasing the brightness is executed, for example, the output level OL3is lowered according to the correction level in the ¾ point of the inputlevel. Values excluding the point corresponding to the correction levelare interpolated by a spline curve.

[0090] For example, when the brightness representative value Brep=100and the exposure bias value is zero, the above formula gives abrightness correction level Brev of 10 (OL1). On the other hand, whenthe brightness representative value Brep=100 and the exposure bias valueis 16, the above formula gives a brightness correction level Brev of 13(OL3). When the brightness standard value Bstd was not modified bytaking the exposure bias value into account, as long as the brightnessrepresentative value Brep was the same, it was not reflected in theoutput results of image data. However, if the brightness standard valueBstd is modified by taking the exposure bias value into account, thebrightness correction level Brev can be corrected by three levels up ascompared to the case when the exposure bias value was not taken intoaccount. Therefore, the intentions of the photographer who wishes toincrease the brightness of output results can be reflected in the outputresults of image data.

[0091] Alternatively, the brightness correction level Brev may bedirectly corrected up or down, without modifying the brightness standardvalue Bstd. For example, when the exposure bias value is set to 0.5 EV,using the conversion formula 0.1 EV=2(level) produces (0.5/0.1)×2=1, andthe brightness correction level Brev becomes 10+brightness standardvalue Bstd. If the brightness standard value Bstd is 10, a resultingbrightness correction level Brev of 20 is obtained. This value, asdescribed above, is used for modifying the tone curve for determiningthe output level corresponding to the input level of brightness value ofimage data GD, and the brightness of image data GD is adjusted bycorrecting the brightness value of each pixel of image data GD.

[0092] The CPU 31 returns to the image processing routine, which is themain routine, after the automatic adjustment other than theabove-described brightness adjustment has been executed (step S360).

[0093] If the image quality adjustment processing is completed, the CPU31 executes the wRGB color conversion processing and half-toneprocessing for printing (step S250). In the wRGB conversion processing,the CPU 31 refers to the look-up table (LUT) for conversion into theCMYK color space that corresponded to the wRGB color space stored in theROM 31 and changes the color space of image data from the wRGB colorspace into the CMYK color space. Thus, image data composed of gradationvalues of R˜G•B is converted into gradation values used in the colorprinter 20, for example, of six colors C•M•Y•K•LC•LM.

[0094] In the half-tone processing, the image data subjected to colorconversion are received and the gradation number conversion processingis conducted. In the present embodiment, the image data after colorconversion are represented as data having 256 gradation widths per eachcolor. By contrast, in the color printer 20 of the present embodiment,only any one state of the “dots are formed” state and “dots are notformed” state is assumed and the color printer 20 of the presentembodiment can locally represent only two gradations. Here, image datahaving 256 gradations is converted into the image data represented withtwo gradations that can be represented by the color printer 20. Examplesof typical methods for such bigradation processing (binarization)include a method termed an error diffusion method and a method termed atextural dithering method.

[0095] In the color printer 20, prior to the color conversionprocessing, a resolution conversion processing is executed by which theresolution of image data is converted into the printing resolution. Whenthe resolution of image data is lower than the printing resolution, theresolution conversion processing is executed by generating new databetween the adjacent image data by conducting linear interpolation.Conversely, when the resolution of image data is higher than theprinting resolution, the resolution conversion processing is executed bythinning out the image data at a constant ratio. The color printer 20also executes the interlace processing by which the image data that hasbeen converted to a format representing the presence or absence of dotformation is rearranged in the order in which it has to be transferredto the color printer 20.

[0096] As described above, with the color printer 20 of the presentembodiment, the image quality of image data GD can be automaticallyadjusted by taking account of the image output control information GIcontained in the image file GF. Therefore, even when the userarbitrarily sets the output control conditions of image data, executingthe automatic adjustment of image quality modifies the arbitrary outputcontrol conditions and makes it possible to resolve the problemassociated with the conventional image quality automatic adjustmentfunction which could not reflect the user's intentions.

[0097] In particular, with the color printer 20 of the presentembodiment, when the image quality of image data GD is automaticallyadjusted, modifying the brightness standard value Bstd by taking accountof the exposure bias value makes it possible to correct the brightnesscorrection level Brev up or down with respect to the case when theexposure bias value is not taken into account. Therefore, thephotographer's intention of making the output results brighter or darkercan be reflected in the output results of image data. Furthermore, whenthe exposure bias value is zero, a decision can be made that thephotographer wants no intentional output results relating to brightness.Therefore, the brightness standard value Bstd is not modified.

[0098] Furthermore, because the image quality can be automaticallyadjusted by using the image output control information GI contained inthe image file GF, high-quality printing results reflecting the user'sphotographing intentions can be easily obtained without conducting imagequality adjustment on the printer driver or a photo retouch application.

[0099] Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, an example ofautomatic execution of image quality adjustment processing wasdescribed. However, an image quality automatic adjustment button may beprovided on a control panel of color printer 20 and the image qualityautomatic adjustment processing of the above-described embodiment may beexecuted only when the image quality automatic adjustment mode isselected with this image quality automatic adjustment button.

[0100] F. Other Embodiments

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the entire image processing isconducted in the color printer 20, rather than via a personal computerPC, and the dot pattern is formed on a printing medium according to thegenerated image data GD. However, the entire image processing or partthereof may be executed in the computer. In such a case, imageprocessing is conducted by assigning the image processing function thathas been explained with reference to FIG. 11 to an image data processingapplication such as a retouch application or a printer driver installedon a computer hard disk or the like. The image file GF generated by thedigital still camera 12 is supplied to the computer via a cable or amemory card MC. In the computer, the application is initiated by theuser's operation, and reading of the image file GF, analysis of imageoutput control information GI, and conversion and adjustment of imagedata GD are executed. Alternatively, the application may be initiatedautomatically and reading of the image file GF, analysis of image outputcontrol information GI, and conversion and adjustment of image data GDmay be executed automatically by detecting the insertion of a memorycard MC or a cable.

[0102] Furthermore, in the explanation of automatic adjustment of imagequality in the above-described embodiment, most attention has beenconcentrated on correction of brightness that has taken account of theexposure bias value. However, automatic adjustment of image qualitywhich reflected the image output control information GI can be alsoexecuted, for example, with respect to characteristic parameter valuesof image data GD, such as shadow-contrast point, contrast, colorbalance, color saturation, and sharpness.

[0103] In addition, selecting of characteristic parameters for executingthe automatic adjustment of image quality may be made possible. Forexample, the color printer 20 may be provided with a parameter selectionbutton or a button for selecting photographic mode parameters obtainedby combining the prescribed parameters according to the photographicobject, and the parameters for executing the automatic adjustment ofimage quality may be selected with those selection buttons. Furthermore,when the automatic adjustment of image quality is executed on a personalcomputer, the parameters for executing the automatic adjustment of imagequality may be selected on the user interface of printer driver orretouch application.

[0104] In the image processing in the color printer 20, the automaticadjustment processing of image quality may be executed first, as shownin FIG. 13, and then the conversion of color space may be executed.Basic information may be also processed.

[0105] In all of the above-described embodiments, the color printer 20was used as an output device. However, display devices such as CRT, LCD,projector, and the like, can be also used as the output device. In sucha case, for example, an image processing program (display driver) forexecuting the image processing that was explained with reference toFIGS. 10, 11 is executed with the display device serving as the outputdevice. Alternatively, when a CRT or the like functions as the displaydevice of a computer, the image processing program is executed in thecomputer. However, the image data that are finally output have the RGBcolor space rather than the CMYK color space.

[0106] In such a case, the image output control information GI duringimage data generation can be reflected in the displayed results on thedisplay device such as a CRT or the like, in the same manner as theinformation during image data generation was reflected in the printingresults obtained with the color printer 20. Therefore, the image data GDgenerated by the digital still camera 12 can be displayed with a higheraccuracy.

[0107] The image output device in accordance with the present inventionwas described hereinabove based on embodiments thereof. Theabove-described preferred embodiments of the present invention are,however, employed only to facilitate the understanding of the presentinvention and place no limitation on the present invention. The presentinvention can be changed and modified without departing from the spiritof the invention, or the scope of the claims, and it goes without sayingthat the present invention includes the equivalents thereof.

[0108] In the above-described embodiments, parameters such as a lightsource, exposure bias value, target color space, brightness, andsharpness were used as the image output control information GI. Howeverwhat parameter is to be used as the mage output control information GIcan be decided at one's discretion.

[0109] Values of the parameters presented in the table in FIG. 8 arenothing but examples and the invention of the present application is notlimited to those values. Furthermore, values of matrices S, M, N⁻¹ inthe mathematical formulas are nothing but examples, and it goes withoutsaying that those values can be changed suitably by the target colorspace or color space that can be used in the color printer 20.

[0110] In the explanation of the above-described embodiments, thedigital still camera 12 was employed as the image file generationdevice. However, a scanner, a digital video camera, and the like can bealso used for this purpose. When a scanner is used, the designation ofdownload data information of image file GF may be executed on a computerPC, or the scanner may be provided with a preset button, a displayscreen for discretionary setting, and a setting button which have thepresetting invention shared therebetween for information setting, andthe designation can be executed by the scanner alone.

[0111] In the above-described embodiments, the files in the Exif formatwere described as specific examples of image files GF, but the format ofimage files in accordance with the present invention is not limited tosuch a format. Thus, an image file may be used which comprises the imagedata generated in the image data generation device and the image outputcontrol information GI describing the conditions (information) duringimage data generation. With such a file, the image quality of image datagenerated in the image file generation device can be appropriatelyautomatically adjusted and output from the output device.

[0112] The digital still camera 12 and color printer 20 used in theabove-described embodiments are nothing but examples, and theconfiguration thereof is not limited to the described contents of theembodiments. It will suffice to provide the digital still camera 12 atleast with the function of generating the image file GF of theabove-described embodiments. Furthermore, it will suffice if the colorprinter 20 can analyze the image output control information GI of theimage file GF of the present embodiments, automatically adjust the imagequality by reflecting the user's intention, especially, with respect tothe brightness, and output (print out) the image.

[0113] In the above-described embodiments, the case in which the imagedata GD and image output control information GI were contained in thesame image file GF has been taken as an example. However, the image dataGD and image output control information GI are not necessarily requiredto be stored in the same file. Thus, it will suffice to correlate theimage data GD with the image output control information GI will suffice.For example, it is also possible to generate the correlating data forcorrelating the image data GD with the image output control informationGI, to store one or a plurality of image data and image output controlinformation GI in respective independent files, and to refer to thecorrelated image output control information GI when the image data GD isprocessed. In such a case, though the image data and image outputcontrol information GI are stored in separate files, during imageprocessing which uses the image output control information GI, the imagedata and image output control information GI are integrally andinseparably related to each other and function substantially in the samemanner as in the case when they were stored in the same file. Thus, theaspect of using the image data and image output control information GIwhich are associated with each other, at least during image processing,is included in the image file GF in the present embodiments.Furthermore, dynamic image files stored in optical disk media such asCD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM are also included.

What is claimed is:
 1. An output device which uses image data and imageoutput control information, which includes at least the exposure biasvalue information in image data generation and which has been associatedwith the image data, and outputs the image data, said output devicecomprising: image parameter quality value acquisition means foranalyzing said image data and acquiring a value for the image qualityparameter which indicates at least the characteristic relating to thebrightness of said image data; image quality adjustment means foradjusting the image quality of said image data based on a standard imagequality parameter value that is determined in advance for said imagequality parameter value relating at least to said brightness, saidacquired image quality parameter value, and said exposure bias valueinformation; and output means for outputting said image data that hasbeen subjected to said image quality adjustment.
 2. An output deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said image quality adjustment meansadjusts the image quality of said image data so as to reduce oreliminate deviations in said image quality parameter value from saidstandard image quality parameter value by taking account of saidexposure bias value information.
 3. An output device according to claim1, wherein said image quality adjustment means adjusts the image qualityof said image data by computing the image quality adjustment quantityfrom said standard image quality parameter value and said image qualityparameter value, modifying said image quality adjustment quantity bytaking account of said exposure bias value information, and using saidimage quality adjustment quantity that has been modified.
 4. An outputdevice according to claim 1, further comprising: standard image qualityparameter value modification means for modifying said standard imagequality parameter value based on said exposure bias value information,and wherein said image quality adjustment means adjusts the imagequality of said image data based on said modified standard image qualityparameter value and said acquired image quality parameter value, insteadof said standard image quality parameter value, said acquired imagequality parameter value, and said exposure bias value information.
 5. Anoutput device according to claim 4, wherein said standard image qualityparameter value modification means does not execute modification of saidstandard image quality parameter value when the exposure bias value hasbeen set to zero as a result of analysis of said image output controlinformation.
 6. An image data processing device which uses image dataand image output control information, which includes at least exposurebias value information in image data generation and which has beenassociated with the image data, and processes the image data, said imagedata processing device comprising: obtaining means for obtaining saidimage data and said image output control information; image qualityparameter value acquisition means for analyzing said downloaded imagedata to acquire the value of the image quality parameter indicating atleast the characteristic relating to the brightness of said image data;and image quality adjustment means for adjusting the image quality ofsaid image data based on a standard image quality parameter value thatis determined in advance for said image quality parameter value relatingat least to said brightness, said acquired image quality parametervalue, and said exposure bias value information.
 7. An image dataprocessing device according to claim 6, wherein said image qualityadjustment means adjusts the image quality of said image data so as toreduce or eliminate deviations in said image quality parameter valuefrom said standard image quality parameter value by taking account ofsaid exposure bias value information.
 8. An image data processing deviceaccording to claim 6, wherein said image quality adjustment meansadjusts the image quality of said image data by computing the imagequality adjustment quantity from said standard image quality parametervalue and said image quality parameter value, modifying said imagequality adjustment quantity by taking account of said exposure biasvalue information, and using said image quality adjustment quantity thathas been modified.
 9. An image data processing device according to claim6, further comprising: standard image quality parameter valuemodification means for modifying said standard image quality parametervalue based on said exposure bias value information, and wherein saidimage quality adjustment means adjusts the image quality of said imagedata based on said modified standard image quality parameter value andsaid acquired image quality parameter value, instead of said standardimage quality parameter value, said acquired image quality parametervalue, and said exposure bias value information.
 10. An image dataprocessing device according to claim 9, wherein said standard imagequality parameter value modification means does not execute modificationof said standard image quality parameter value when the exposure biasvalue has been set to zero as a result of analysis of said image outputcontrol information.
 11. A method for image quality adjustment of imagedata comprising: acquiring image data and image output controlinformation which includes at least exposure bias value informationoccurring during image data generation, and which has been associatedwith the image data; analyzing said image data to acquire the value ofthe image quality parameter indicating at least the characteristicrelating to the brightness of said image data; analyzing said imageoutput control information to acquire the exposure bias value from saidexposure bias value information; and adjusting the image quality of saidimage data based on a standard image quality parameter value that isdetermined in advance, said acquired image quality parameter value, andsaid exposure bias value.
 12. A method for image quality adjustmentaccording to claim 11, wherein the image quality of said image data isadjusted so as to reduce or eliminate deviations in said image qualityparameter value from said standard image quality parameter value withreflecting said exposure bias value information.
 13. A method for imagequality adjustment according to claim 11, wherein the image quality ofsaid image data is adjusted by computing the image quality adjustmentquantity from said standard image quality parameter value and said imagequality parameter value, modifying said image quality adjustmentquantity by taking account of said exposure bias value information, andusing said image quality adjustment quantity that has been modified. 14.A method for image quality adjustment according to claim 11, furthercomprising: modifying the standard image quality parameter value thathas been determined in advance with respect to said image qualityparameter value relating to at least said brightness, by reflecting saidacquired exposure bias value; and adjusting the image quality of saidimage data based on said modified standard image quality parameter valueand said acquired image quality parameter value, instead of saidstandard image quality parameter value, said acquired image qualityparameter value, and said exposure bias value information.
 15. A methodfor image quality adjustment according to claim 14, wherein themodification of said standard image quality parameter value is notconducted when said acquired exposure bias value is zero.
 16. Acomputer-readable medium storing a program for adjusting the imagequality of image data, wherein said program instructs a computer toexecute the functions of: acquiring image data and image output controlinformation which includes at least exposure bias value informationoccurring during image data generation, and which has been associatedwith the image data; analyzing said image data to acquire the value ofthe image quality parameter indicating at least the characteristicrelating to the brightness of said image data; analyzing said imageoutput control information to acquire the exposure bias value from saidexposure bias value information; and adjusting the image quality of saidimage data based on a standard image quality parameter value that isdetermined in advance, said image quality parameter value, and saidexposure bias value.
 17. A computer-readable medium according to claim16, wherein the function of adjusting the image quality of said imagedata is a function of adjusting the image quality of said image data soas to reduce or eliminate deviations in said image quality parametervalue from said standard image quality parameter value by taking accountof said exposure bias value information.
 18. A computer-readable mediumaccording to claim 16, wherein the function of adjusting the imagequality of said image data is a function of adjusting the image qualityof said image data by computing the image quality adjustment quantityfrom said standard image quality parameter value and said image qualityparameter value, modifying said image quality adjustment quantity bytaking account of said exposure bias value information, and using saidimage quality adjustment quantity that has been modified.
 19. Acomputer-readable medium according to claim 16, wherein said programfurther instructs a computer to execute the function of: modifying thestandard image quality parameter value that has been determined inadvance with respect to said image quality parameter value relating toat least said brightness, by reflecting said acquired exposure biasvalue, and wherein the function of adjusting the image quality of saidimage data is executed by the computer based on said modified standardimage quality parameter value and said image quality parameter value,instead of said standard parameter value, said image quality parametervalue, and said exposure bias value.
 20. A computer-readable recordingmedium according to claim 19, wherein a function is executed by acomputer such that modification of said standard image quality parametervalue is not conducted when said acquired exposure bias value is zero.21. An image data generation device for generating image data that hasbeen associated with image processing conditions for image data in anoutput device, said image data generation device comprising: image datageneration means for generating image data; exposure bias valueinformation acquisition means for acquiring exposure bias valueinformation; image quality parameter value acquisition means foranalyzing said generated image data so as to acquire the value of theimage quality parameter indicating at least the characteristic relatingto the brightness of said image data; image processing conditionsgeneration means for generating said image processing conditions basedon a standard image quality parameter value that is determined inadvance for said image quality parameter value relating to saidbrightness, said acquired image quality parameter value, and saidexposure bias value information; and output means for outputting saidgenerated image processing conditions and said image data associatedwith each other.
 22. An image data generation device according to claim21, wherein said image processing conditions generation means generatessaid image processing conditions so as to reduce or eliminate deviationsin said image quality parameter value from said standard image qualityparameter value by taking account of said exposure bias valueinformation.
 23. An image data generation device according to claim 21,wherein said image processing conditions generation means generates saidimage processing conditions by computing the image quality adjustmentquantity from said standard image quality parameter value and said imagequality parameter value, modifying said image quality adjustmentquantity by taking account of said exposure bias value information, andusing said image quality adjustment quantity that has been modified. 24.An image data generation device according to claim 21, which furthercomprises standard image quality parameter value modification means formodifying said standard image quality parameter value based on saidexposure bias value information, and wherein said image processingconditions generation means generates said image processing conditionsbased on said modified standard image quality parameter value and saidacquired image quality parameter value, instead of said standard imagequality parameter value, said acquired image quality parameter value,and said exposure bias value information.
 25. An image data generationdevice according to claim 24, wherein said standard image qualityparameter value modification means does not conduct modification of saidstandard image quality parameter value when said acquired exposure biasvalue is zero.
 26. An image data generation device according to any oneof claims 21 through 25, wherein said image data are output after havingbeen stored in the same file as said image processing conditions.